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The paper deals with the findings of recent studies on the issue of continuing vocational education and training (CVET) for the unemployed and others at risk of social exclusion. Those at risk of social exclusion include: low/unskilled people (lower secondary education); young people at risk; long term unemployed; people with a disability; single parents; older workers and older job seekers; job seekers re-entering the labour market; and welfare benefit recipients. The paper summarises recent research findings and focuses on the effectiveness of active labour market policy programs. The findings show that most of the common measures such as training, guidance, and counselling cannot be regarded as effective, as long as they are not combined with monitoring the job seekers. However, it is suggested that formal classroom training and on the job training helps women re-entering the labour market whilst it appears not to help older and male jobseekers. A mixture of activation measures including good management of public employment services seems to be most effective. However, it remains unclear why some measures work for some groups and not for others. Finally, the paper offers recommendations for policy and research.